Archive for May, 2015

There are many PHP code frameworks and ecosystems, including the more recently popularised WordPress environment. However, both myself in pre-Contact Point days, and Contact Point, have preferred to work based on a purpose-built codebase which has the following benefits over using a framework:

Our code is highly efficient and lean, helping to ensure the quick operation of your website, and enabling easier maintenance. Because a framework such as Word Press has to be all things to all people, they usually contain a large amount of code and functionality that will never be used for your website. This unused code not only takes up room and makes it harder to find the exact piece of code we may need to alter, it may also create an undetected security vulnerability. Any additional functionality can be easily incorporated into our codebase, still keeping the overall code lean and efficient.

Our code is robust; security to prevent SQL injection and other malicious activity is built into the core removing the need for constant security patching. Security patches will still be required from time to time, but much less frequently than the very well known frameworks which are often a target for hackers due to their large user base.

It incorporates the latest user experience elements which website users have come to expect – things like immediate prompting when the visitor enters information incorrectly into a web form, and animated page and style transitions. Should new user experience elements present in future, it will be relatively easy to add those also.

Easily customisable to facilitate bespoke requirements of each website.

We have recently overhauled the Contact Point Master Code in order to bring the best aspects of the Solly codebase and the Contact Point codebase. In particular the new Contact Point Master Code:

Combines the environment for the content management system and online administration systems of websites

Supports the concept of page plug-ins giving the webmaster the ability to quickly add components, such as online forms and image galleries, into new pages of the website

Ensures a more intuitive user interface for both the website visitor and online administrator

Incorporates into the shopping cart solution a collection of features that have become “standard” in more recent years such as automated SEO friendly URLs, meta tags and meta descriptions

If we built your shopping cart or web application many years ago, and you would like to benefit from some of the features described above, please don’t hesitate to contact Heather Maloney to discuss how we can most cost effectively deploy the new codebase for your solution.